1. Choose a suitable suitcase
Start with the basics. A cabin suitcase must comply with certain dimensions. Generally, 55 cm high, 35 cm wide and 25 cm deep. Check with your airline.
Opt for a model with wheels. Four wheels make it easier to manoeuvre. Internal compartments help to organise your belongings. A soft-sided bag fits better under the seat. This helps avoid it being refused in the cabin. Weigh it when empty: ideally less than 2 kg. This way, you maximise your carry-on allowance.
For your journeys with Chalair, check our permitted dimensions. This step lays the foundations for efficient packing.
2. Draw up a detailed list
- A week beforehand, make a list of everything.
- Think about the climate. Check the weather forecast.
- For a 10-day trip to a sunny destination, 4 T-shirts will suffice. 2 pairs of trousers, one of which you’ll wear on the day of the flight. A light dress. A thin cardigan. Wear the heaviest items on your person. This frees up space. Add a versatile scarf. One pair of shoes in addition to the trainers you’re wearing. Two swimsuits if you’re going to the beach. Four sets of underwear. Keep socks to a minimum. If you can do your washing whilst you’re there, take even fewer.
- Picture your suitcase on the bed and get rid of anything you don’t need.
- Buy sun cream when you arrive.
This method maximises the space in your hand luggage right from the start.
3. Master the rolling technique
- Method for most clothes: fold in half lengthways, then roll up tightly to form a cylinder. This saves up to 30 per cent of space and reduces creases, especially on cotton. Ideal for T-shirts, jeans and leggings.
- For delicate garments: opt for traditional folding, layering them with thin paper to prevent them from losing their shape (e.g. shirts).
- Storage: arrange the rolls vertically, as in a drawer, so you can see everything at a glance.
This approach, inspired by tried-and-tested methods, maximises space and makes access easier. Give it a go on your next trip!
4. Make the most of every nook and cranny
- Fill shoes: slip socks or rolled-up belts inside them to save space.
- Placement at the bottom: put your shoes (wheels facing down) and your heavy toiletries bag at the bottom.
- Middle layer: place rolled-up clothes in the middle.
- Top layer: reserve the top for fragile items.
- Fill in the gaps: use fillers or small items to fill the spaces, just like in Tetris – don’t waste a single centimetre!
- Other tips: lay belts along the sides and tuck a scarf into a hood.
This method maximises space, prevents items from shifting during the flight and is ideal for short trips.
5. Pack liquids carefully to get through security
- Follow the rules: all liquid containers must be no more than 100 ml, with a total volume of 1 litre. Place them in a transparent 20x20 cm bag.
- Space-saving tips: use reusable bottles. Opt for solid products such as shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets or compact soaps.
- Put the bag at the top of your suitcase for quick access at security.
- Exceptions and essentials: prescription medicines are permitted in quantities exceeding the limits. Take paracetamol and plasters with you.
This method safely maximises space in your hand luggage and speeds up the process at security checks.
6. Choose versatile clothing
- Opt for a trio of basic colours (white, black, blue) for easy mixing and matching.
- Multifunctional items: choose reversible garments and lightweight accessories such as a scarf or jewellery.
- Practical materials: opt for crease-resistant fabrics.
- For cold weather: take a packable down jacket that can be rolled up into a ball.
- For the beach: take a thin, quick-drying microfibre towel.
- Space-saving tips: wear jeans and a jacket on the plane. Plan to do your washing whilst you’re there (maximum 7 days without washing).
7. Include space-saving accessories
- Use packing cubes or pouches to sort your clothes: tops in one, bottoms in another, and underwear separately.
- Compression: for jumpers, compress them by squeezing out the air to reduce their volume by up to 70 per cent.
- For accessories: opt for clear sleeves for cables or items, so you can see the contents at a glance.
- For shoes: use fabric pouches to prevent them from soiling the rest of your belongings.
These tools maximise space in your hand luggage, make it easier to pack dirty laundry on the return journey and are essential for frequent travellers.
8. Tailor these tips to your type of trip
- Think about your destination: for a business trip, prioritise folded formal outfits. For leisure trips, roll all your clothes.
- Electronics: store chargers in pockets. Power banks are permitted in the cabin.
- Visit the Aéroports de Paris website for more tips.
Making the most of the space in your hand luggage frees up time for what really matters: enjoying your trip. By following these tips, your travels will become simpler, with less weight and more freedom. Try out these techniques now. Have a safe flight!
With Chalair, explore the regions of France with complete peace of mind